Fun things to do in Karachi

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The most easiest way to go there is by a truck which is going there after delivering an animal to the city. It's going to cost you less as it is Rs.30/ per head and you don't have to worry where to park your vehicle or after buying your animal coming back all the way to your car instead just get on the truck on which you are bringing your animal.

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Bakra Eid is one of the most unique religious Festival of our Country. In this review I have enclosed the pics of few cows which were brought in Karachi for Bakra Eid in one of the biggest cow market of Asia which is organized every year before Bakra Eid.

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Muhammad Ali Jinnah Road, or Bandar Road, is one of the busiest and the oldest roads of Karachi. On a normal working day, it perfectly reflects the urban chaos of a typical developing metropolitan; traffic jams, noise pollution, smoke coughing buses, and hurried pedestrians. Pollution goes to a level that a new comer would even find it hard to breath.

However, the same road turns friendly during public holidays and Sundays, especially in the morning, and provides an opportunity to have a nice stroll around. In a couple of hours of slow walking, one can see many colonial era buildings along with other historical monuments.

Karachi Metropolitan Corporation Building, Denso Hall, Jehangir Kothari Building, Memon Mosque, and the Merewether Clock Tower are some of the more prominent structures while every second building is worth having a look, especially the old style balconies of residential ones. Don't be surprised if any of the incumbents offers you a cup of tea in their homes. It would be fine to accept that even without any reciprocation - accept for being grateful - to get an insight into the local life.

Just to mention, this part of the metropolitan is termed as "Old City" (no translation required) in the typical Karachi jargon. The area is mostly occupied by communities from Indian Gujrat who have been living there since before partition.

For those who are keenly interested in the colonial structures and can spare a couple of more hours, peeking into the auxiliary gullies would be worth it.

One can also visit Wazir Mansion - 10 minutes walk in one such gully from the Clock Tower - which is the birthplace of our Founding Father, Muhammad Ali Jinnah Road, another Gujrati decedent, and after whom this road is named.

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In the Holy month of Ramdan the Karachites and many other Pakistanis fly kites beside performing holy deeds in the month of Ramdan. It has know became a local custom and it is cherished by many of us nowadays.

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When you exchange money ask for plenty of 100 and 500 Rupee notes. This is a good amount to have when paying in the markets & street shops.
The Pakistani Rupee used to be divided into 100 Paisa; Rupees start from 1 Rupee up to 5000 Rupees. Currency notes used are 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1000.
The origin of the word "Rupee" is said to have its roots in the Sanskrit.
Most banknotes show a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah founder of Pakistan on the riting in Urdu. The backsides have different images of buildings, etc. An Urdu text on banknotes is said to read "Earning a legal livelihood is parallel to prayer".
You can find most good exchange bureaus in the financial district (near I.I. Chundrigar Road).

Approximate Exchange Rates:
1 US Dollar = 60 Rupees.
1 EURO = 78 Rupees.

TIP: For good exchange I would recommend the GLAXY Exchange Pvt Ltd.

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One of the oldest lighthouses near Karachi, the structure is much higher than the one at Manora. The height is approx. 167 feet. The status of this lighthouse has been downgraded to a beacon (thus the black & white markings), which emits an audio signal directing ships towards Karachi.

The isolated lighthouse coast was flooded with seashells, and rocky enclave inhabited by crabs.

Entry is restricted via Nathiagali. You will require Navy’s permission to first access the base, and then a 4x4 to drive towards the lighthouse. Along the way we saw some very ancient graves of Arabs generals who came to this place 1000 of years ago.

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Nathiagali is a naval base, the last point on Karachi’s coastline. Access is RESTRCTED. One can only go if you have senior ranked connection in the armed forces, and accompanied by your host. Your host will have to make a booking in advance through his or her unit. If you do not have this host, you will not be allowed to enter the base.

We visited this base along with our friend in the Navy. It is a very exclusive beach, untouched, and very clean. On one side is the Cape, the other the ocean. Slightly off the beaten path one can also visit the Cape Monze lighthouse. Along the way we saw some very ancient graves of Arabs generals who came to this place 1000 of years ago.

The highlight of our trip was a BBQ organized late in the evening, and watching the green phosphorus light up the dark waves crashing on the shoreline.

Situated in the upscale area of Clifton, overlooking the Arabian Sea. Legend has it that Abdullah Shah Ghazi Mazar protects the inhabitant of Karachi from calamities thrown towards this populace city from the sea.

Abdullah Shah Ghazi was a Sufi saint who came to this area 1400 years ago. He preached Islam to the local population and was revered as a great patron to the community. Hundred thousand of people daily throng to his shrine today, which is situated high above a small hill overlooking the sea. Many people have claimed that their wishes have been granted at his shrine.

He is also revered by the fishermen community as well. It is claimed he had great powers over the sea. Legend has it that once the sea was rough, the fisherman approached him to calm the sea down. He took sea water into his bowl, curled the bowl closed and requested the sea to be calmed. The sea calmed down, and the fishermen went about their business.

Since then a lot of tropical storms and cyclones have approached Karachi, threatening the coastal area. And before the cyclones could hit at full force, it either dispersed or changed direction.

It is said that Abdullah Shah Ghazi is the patron saint of Karachi, who has protected the city from such calamities.

News report on the Saint’s Mazar and his perceived miracles.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/22004/the-legend-of-shah-ghazi/
http://tribune.com.pk/story/18430/the-saints-will-protect-karachi-from-cyclone-phet/